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NY Philharmonic to Play N. Korea

Musical diplomacy may help, says ambassador

By Lucas Laursen, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 10, 2007 9:01 AM CST

(Newser) – The New York Philharmonic plans a historic Pyongyang concert in February, giving Kim Jong Il occasion to dig out his fanciest tracksuit—and further defrosting US relations with the onetime axis of evil member. “We haven’t even had Ping-Pong diplomacy with these people,” said ambassador Christopher Hill. North Korea invited the symphony in August, after shutting down its nuclear reactor, the New York Times reports.

Past symphony visits occurred alongside warming relations with China and the former Soviet Union. But not everyone is happy: One critic called the visit “a puppet show whose purpose is to lend legitimacy to a despicable regime.” Nevertheless, Hill responded, "not opening up has not had any positive effect in bringing North Korea out of its shell.”

Maestro Lorin Maazel is seen on the huge screen as people watch the opening night performance of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in Lincoln Center Plaza Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2006 at Avery Fisher Hall... (Associated Press)

Zarin Mehta, president of the New York Philharmonic, finalized the Philharmonic's visit last week with a trip to Seoul. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Associated Press)

U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill answers questions from reporters at Narita airport near Tokyo, Friday, Dec. 7, 2007. Hill will attend a news conference tomorrow detailing the New York Philharmonic's... (Associated Press)

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, left, toasts with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il at a farewell lunch in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. The New York Philharmonic plans to play back-to-back... (Associated Press)

Maestro Lorin Maazel conducts the New York Philharmonic Orchestra during opening night, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2006 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York. Maazel will conduct the orchestra in front of back-to-back... (Associated Press)

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NY Philharmonic to Play N. Korea

Musical diplomacy may help, says ambassador

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Kim's 2-Day Funeral Begins

Kim Jong Un walks alongside father's hearse

Pyongyang May Be Too Poor to Pickle Kim

Unlike his father, late leader likely to be buried

North Koreans Mourn 'Dear Leader'

Weeping crowds fill streets of Pyongyang

Isolated and Destitute, North Korea Limps On

Reporters granted rare visit with Richardson

Sabotage? Derailed Train Carried Gifts for Kim Jong Un

Seoul radio cites suspicion of foul play

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NY Philharmonic to Play N. Korea

Musical diplomacy may help, says ambassador

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • North Korea • diplomacy • Soviet Union • Christopher Hill • Pyongyang • Kim Jong Il • New York Philharmonic • Ping Pong diplomacy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Kim's 2-Day Funeral Begins

Kim Jong Un walks alongside father's hearse

Pyongyang May Be Too Poor to Pickle Kim

Unlike his father, late leader likely to be buried

North Koreans Mourn 'Dear Leader'

Weeping crowds fill streets of Pyongyang

Isolated and Destitute, North Korea Limps On

Reporters granted rare visit with Richardson

Sabotage? Derailed Train Carried Gifts for Kim Jong Un

Seoul radio cites suspicion of foul play

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?